periodontal care in greer

Reverse & Treat Gum Disease

Periodontal Care in Greer

Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults, and many are not even aware that they are suffering from this oral health condition. The first stages of this disease are typically indicated by bleeding gums when brushing and flossing. If you suspect that you have gum disease, schedule an appointment today for periodontal care in Simpsonville. It's important to treat this condition during the early stages before any permanent damage has been done.

Examination room at Pearl Dental Studio

Reasons for Treatment

Who Needs Periodontal Care?

Periodontal care is usually treated with a deep cleaning (also known as scaling & root planing). This treatment is the best way to reverse the early stages of gum disease and prevent your condition from getting worse. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice per day and flossing once per day, is usually enough to prevent gum disease. However, if you do develop gum disease, brushing and flossing alone will not be enough to remove the bacteria that are causing the disease.

Gum disease occurs when plaque, bacteria, and tartar collect underneath your gums and cause them to pull away from your teeth. Once this happens, it is not possible to clean these areas on your own, so you will need the help of a dentist. If you get periodontal treatment from Dr. Cash during the first stage of gum disease, you will be able to completely reverse its effects. If you think you may have gum disease, contact y for a consultation.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing Gum Disease

The symptoms exhibited by the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis) typically include bleeding when brushing and flossing, discoloration of the gums, inflamed or “puffy” gums, and increased sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure.

However, as your condition worsens into further stages of gum disease (periodontitis), more serious and uncomfortable symptoms may begin to appear. These include halitosis (persistent bad breath), teeth that appear to be longer (caused by gums pulling away from teeth), pain and discomfort when chewing, and a change in the way your teeth fit together.

In extremely advanced cases of gum disease, your teeth may begin to loosen and fall out entirely as the infection destroys your gums and the roots of your teeth, and pockets of pus may form between your teeth and gums.

close up of periodontal disease

What’s the Difference?

Gingivitis vs. Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. The main difference between gingivitis and the later stages of gum disease is that gingivitis does not cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. With proper care, it can be completely reversed, and the infection can be eliminated. 

If your condition goes untreated, it will likely progress from gingivitis to gum disease, which is more costly and time-consuming to treat and maintain. That's why regular cleanings and hygiene appointments are so important. When we see you regularly, our team has a chance to catch any potential issues early and help you correct them or simply prevent them altogether. Please call to make an appointment or stop by our office located at 117 Batesville Road, Suite 202, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

Bleeding While You Brush and Floss?